Janughantia: unique blend of a devotee and a legendary warrior

Here I am talking about the folk singers from Odisha called "Janu Ghantia". They are almost extinct, no more seen in their traditional attire in villages . The Odia word ‘ଜାନୁଘଣ୍ଟ’ or ‘ଜାନୁଘଣ୍ଟିଆ’ (Janu ghanta/ Janu ghantia) is the combination of two words ‘Janu' ( which means Thigh) and ghanta ( which means Bell). That means “One who ties bell over his thigh” (Janu ghantia).Actually they consider themselves as the descendants of Lord Parsuram, sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.. Parsuram was the offspring of sage Jamadagni of Bhrigu clan of which we find mention in Vedic literature.Janughantia is a distinct sub-faction inside the Vaishnavite community who carry the surname of ‘Dasa’ as is practised by Vaishnavas. They wander from one village to another village and while walking the tied bell over their thighs generate sounds and by this way people become aware about their presence and offer them fruits, vegetables and other food materials. Only a few of their dwindling population can be found in Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Ghumusar region of Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur Districts of coastal Odisha. https://lunarsecstacy.com/2024/10/05/janughantia-unique-blend-of-a-devotee-a-legendary-warrior/ lunarsecstacy.com